Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita is to miss training over the next couple of days because of a neck problem.

The £53million new arrival sat out the International Champions Cup win over Manchester City after reporting the issue and has now been sidelined from the squad’s sessions as they prepare to face Manchester United in Michigan on Saturday.

“Naby Keita is set to sit out training for the next couple of days as a precautionary measure as he recovers from a sore neck,” said a statement from Liverpool.

“Keita will be afforded time to recover by not taking part in the immediate sessions, although he has not been ruled out of the fixture with Manchester United in Michigan at this stage.”

Fellow new signing Xherdan Shaqiri insists his “conscience is clear” after criticism of his attitude while with Stoke.

The Switzerland international managed eight goals and seven assists last season, leading the relegated Potters in both categories.

But his inconsistency led to disapproval from the likes of pundits Gary and Phil Neville, former England internationals, who respectively labelled him “unprofessional” and “a disgrace”.

Shaqiri, who moved to Anfield earlier this month for a fee understood to be £13million, is unconcerned by the pair’s opinions.

He told several national newspapers: “They were Man United players – maybe they don’t like Liverpool. I don’t know, it could be.

“Some people like you, some don’t. I’ve played three years in the Premier League. I’ve proved I can play in this league.

“I was the top scorer in the team with goals and assists. For me, my conscience is clear and I don’t have to comment any more on this.”